My life is one long curve, full of turning points.~Pierre Trudeau
The perfect curve is the arch. I love the way it soars upwards, inviting us to look overhead. However, when we stand under one, we are pleasantly confined within the boundaries of its graceful curving walls.
This week for Cheri’s photo challenge, I am submitting three shots of arches taken in the United States and Italy in the last 5 years. The first one might surprise you. It isn’t architectural. In fact, it is a sculpture made from Scottish stone, which stands in Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The sculpture, appropriately named Grand Rapids Arch, was crafted by the Scottish artist, Andy Goldsworthy. His intent in sculpting this free-standing arch was to create the sense of the stone “taking a walk; a stride.” On the day of this shot, the sky was a stunning blue. High-flying clouds scuttled across its expanse. Perhaps you can sense movement in this shot.
The Grand Rapids Arch, Andrew Goldsworthy, Meijer Gardens. Shot with a Canon 40D
This next shot was taken on our last trip to Italy. The curves of St. Peter’s Basilica are repeated in the dome, the colannade and arched windows. The majesty and grandeur of this building are remarkable.
St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Shot with a Canon 40D.
In my final shot of an ancient Roman amphitheater, I experimented with several filters, but liked the pen and ink effect in the Topaz collection. I thought it highlighted the arches repeated throughout the structure and the curved stone seats. But I am curious if you agree.
Coliseum with Topaz Simplify. Shot with a Canon 70D.
As I look ahead at the new week, it is filled with deadlines and reports. Still, I hope to take some walks outside to savor these days, which are longer, warmer, and filled with light. Have a wonderful week, everyone!
Categories: Photography
P.A. Moed 
Yes, I like the pen and ink look, too. Funny, though, the GR Arch is my favorite!
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Hi Luanne. Thanks for your thoughts! I think you’re right about the Arch. It is uplifting, I think. 🙂
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Uplifting and such a textural contrast with the sky.
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Thanks, Luanne!
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Love the contrast of the blue sky against the rusty brown stones in your first photo.
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Hi, Karen. Thanks! It is quite striking. The scale of the sculpture is huge, so it’s quite spectacular.
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You would be spoiled for choice of curves in St. Peter’s. I was there a few years ago on a weekend trip to Rome and it wasn’t nearly long enough to see everything. I agree with you on that ink effect, it definitely accentuates the arches and curved seating.
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Thanks so much, Jean. St. Peter’s is spectacular. We weren’t able to take a tour, but there’s always next time. 🙂
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Both arches are great and such a contrast!
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Hi Brenda. Thanks for visiting! So glad you enjoyed the arches.
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They all are beautiful Patti, but I really liked the first one. I think, it is a good contrast of man-made rustic brown sculptor vs nature’s blue sky. Perhaps, a good (curved) walk by the stones. 😉
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Hi Norma! So glad you stopped by. Thanks so much for your thoughts. It looks like the first shot is the favorite. 🙂
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🙂
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spectacular shots Patti! I especially love the first and only wish I had had a proper camera and been into photography when I visited the Colliseum many years ago!
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Thanks so much, Cybele for your kind words. Doesn’t that make you crazy when you think of those moments when you should have been carrying a camera. Ugh. Makes me crazy sometimes!!
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oh yes!! :D- and you are most welcome!
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These are all absolutely stunning; especially love the Basilica dome! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Yousuf! You’ve made my day!
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The pleasure is all mine. 🙂
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Beautiful curves Patti, and love your opening quote!
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I love the first shot Patti.
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Thanks so much, Maria! It was a gorgeous, clean day. I loved the sky.
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